Routine blood test at 54 - results seem worrying compared to previous year, anyone had the same?!

[towhoknowswhere]

Ironically the only thing that was ‘normal’ was my testosterone levels (the main reason for the test!)
My vit B12 & D are low, as well as my iron levels. My bone result was borderline as well as my liver function & cholesterol too high.
I’ve never experienced this and now feel really concerned, I have a telephone appointment with my gp on Wednesday but know I will be worrying until then.
I’m very slim, never smoked, hardly drink & a lifelong veggie who (mostly) eats really well. I’m never ill and full of energy etc

are you on HRT?

Menopause affects metabolic health due to decreasing oestrogen. It can increase cholesterol as well as increase the risk of NAFLD (non alcoholic fatty liver disease).
Its not just vegans at risk of low B12, up to 40% of vegetarians can also suffer low b12 without fortified foods and/or supplements, and low iron is common.
Many people in the U.K. are deficient in vitamin D over winter. Many areas don’t even test for this now unless symptomatic because so many people are low. The advice in our ICB is that Vit D isn’t tested unless severely symptomatic and that patients should just be advised to take vitamin D.

As an aside, many people who have had covid have been found to have low Vit B12 & Vitamin D.

I do wonder how you are full of energy, what’s your secret?! I’m on HRT, have had B12 injections for years, I am on prescription strength Vitamin D and Ferrous fumerate (have been for years) and I’m bloody knackered!

I’m on oestrogel & testosterone, I started about 6 months ago. I was mostly suffering with brain fog and a little bit of anxiety but not many other symptoms apart from the odd hot flush!
I have no idea why I’m full of beans? I work full time and then socialise a lot at the weekend too, my dc are adults so minimal parenting required these days and I get way more sleep than I did 15 years ago!

I thought hrt would have a good impact on my cholesterol, liver etc but apparently not. I’m genuinely a bit worried!

Bumping for the weekend!

@towhoknowswhere Can you explain a bit more?
I'm confused by your 'bone' result . The only real assessment is a DEXA scan so is that what you mean?

How high is your cholesterol?

High cholesterol can be hereditary and not linked just to diet.
If you are a vegetarian, do you eat a lot of cheese? Butter? Foods with added fat ( pastry, cakes, biscuits etc)

Has your dr suggested ways of reducing cholesterol naturally before looking at statins?

It's not surprising you are low in B12 and iron if you never eat meat. The iron in other foods is not the sort of iron that is absorbed as well.

Everyone should take Vit D supplements (NHS) and usually more than the quoted minimum.

It’s listed on my nhs app as a bone profile test? I had a dexa scan a few years ago and my bones are apparently really good (or were!)
My surgery does yearly health screening from 50 and I’ve never had an issue with my iron or vit b12 etc levels.
Yes, I do eat a lot of cheese! I’m thinking this might need to stop but I will find it incredibly hard to!

But the point is, having had these tests, what next?
How high is your cholesterol?
How high were you liver enzymes? (That can be a one-off caused by anything or something minor.)

I've never heard of annual blood tests on the NHS, except for anyone with existing conditions, so you're very lucky to have them.

Bone profile gives results for calcium & phosphates, amongst other things, it can detect things like vitamin D deficiency, which you have, thyroid issues, osteopenia, liver issues etc so it makes sense that it’s a bit off if you have low vitamin D and abnormal LFT results. It’s not really comparable to a Dexa scan though, so don’t panic.

Eating a lot of saturated fats, such as cheese, can absolutely raise your cholesterol.

Did they check your thyroid out of interest? Low Vit D can be associated with thyroid issues.

You’re vegetarian, that’s why your bone profile is bad.

You need to eat lots of eggs, lift weights and get out into the daylight. It protects your bones and the vitamin D helps calcium leaching.

If you’re taking a vitamin d supplement make sure it’s with K2 otherwise it’ll be a waste of money.

Women’s cholesterol rises as we age. It’s protective.

I’ve had a recent GP test and I put my cholesterol through ChatGPT and it gave me a better picture, and advised how to get the figure down.

@TheoreticallyAdult

I did a quick check for my own benefit

100-200iu day is needed to help facilitate absorption of Vit D.

Top Vitamin K1 Foods (Leafy Greens & Vegetables)

Kale: ~565 mcg per 1/2 cup (frozen).
Collard Greens: ~530 mcg per 1/2 cup (frozen).
Spinach: ~514 mcg per 1/2 cup (frozen).
Turnip Greens: ~425 mcg per 1/2 cup (frozen).
Broccoli: ~110 mcg per 1/2 cup (boiled).
Brussels Sprouts: ~156 mcg per cup.
Parsley: High concentration in small amounts.
Lettuce (Green leaf/Iceberg): ~1 cup raw

Where is the evidence that high cholesterol is 'protective' for women?

Quick update (and thank-you to everyone who offered help!)
My bloods are actually mostly fine, apparently it’s a common issue on the nhs app that if you have one test that is not satisfactory, they are all listed the same (ridiculous right?)

So my liver, bones, iron, vit b12, cholesterol etc are absolutely fine! My vit d is a little low but this is very normal for most people and my gp has recommended taking a supplement.

What a relief!